Appleby abandons Dubai for Bahrain

Expansionist offshore firm Appleby has dropped plans to open in Dubai in favour of a Bahrain office.

A number of onshore firms have cut lawyer numbers in Dubai in the past six months, including Trowers & Hamlins (The Lawyer, 23 February) and DLA Piper (The Lawyer, 3 April). Last month (1 June) DLA Piper announced its intention to open a base in Bahrain.

In September 2008 Appleby announced plans to open in Dubai, with Jeanne Bartlett heading the office. Bartlett will now go to Bahrain to develop the office’s focus on investment funds, private equity, securitisation, major projects, property and private client.

“This is a significant opportunity for us to expand our offering to Middle East markets,” said Bartlett.

The move follows the news that Appleby is merging with Isle of Man firm Dickinson Cruickshank.